Done

The hardest thing yet I've had to do as a parent was done yesterday when I sat down with Ian and told him Snoopy had died and explained death and life in general. He cried a little and asked me questions and was just wonderful, as always. No surprise there. I was surprised at how well I explained the situation.

I had researched online how to tell a child about a pet's loss but didn't write anything down or practiced in my head what I would say. I didn't plan the moment - it just seemed the right time when it came - and I just let the words come out, one by one, and they were, well, perfect.

Surely I was just the instrument. Those words came out of my mouth, straight from my heart, but they were all from God really. No surprise there either. As the Bible says "To God be the glory!" (I've always loved that saying!)

Still

Still deeply mourning Snoopy, still haven't told Ian. The time shall come this week though before his cousins and family come to Dylan's birthday party next weekend and ask where our doggie is. I don't want him caught off guard, my darling.

Grief is just such a tough thing. It washes over me here and there so completely unexpectedly. I wish I could turn off my mind so I wouldn't think about it and feel this terrible ache in the very heart of me ...

I know that time and life continuing to go on will make the ache dull, but just not soon enough. Sweet girl Snoop. I feel such a void in this home without you. I'll have to lookup some info on the internet on dealing with the loss of a pet you feel is like your child. I'm sure there's some and any advice you can give, please do pass it on.